Where Does the Time Go?

We've all heard it...
We've all been warned...
But do we really listen to it?

That bit of advice where people look at the baby in your arms and say "awwww... precious.... enjoy the time now because before you know it they are all grown up"!

This weekend our oldest child, Devin, graduates from high school. I have found myself saying over and over the last few months "I SWEAR... I JUST changed his diaper yesterday!!". That bit of advice really went in one ear and out the other apparently because I just didn't "get it" until now.

On Saturday, Devin will walk across that stage to be handed his diploma, and walk off the stage onto a new road of life. On Sunday, he turns 18 and becomes an "adult"... all in the same weekend!

I am so very proud of all he has accomplished the last 18 years! He has always been an honor student; he has ran track, cross country, and winter track and won many ribbons and awards; he has been an amazing big brother to 2 sisters and a little brother; he has held an almost full time job for the last year and a half; he has bought his first car; he has been accepted into college; he has preached (given the message) at his church youth group twice; he has led students to Christ; and he has done so much more that isn't even listed!

Devin, I cannot wait to see how God uses you in this thing called life! I know you are going to do big things, I love you with all of my heart and could not be more proud of you!!

- Love Mom

Watching God Step In...

Since Kayleigh's last visit to Duke Medical Center with Endocrinology, labwork has slowly been trickling in. In true "Kayleigh" style... all of her labs have shown to be within the safe "range" of values, but on the very low side of that range. For example... her sodium range is 135-150 and hers is right at 135. These numbers coming in have pretty much ruled out what the doctors all thought Kayleigh had and now are telling us they don't believe it's adrenal insufficiency afterall.

But... this leads us to more questions.

Today, Angie Hutchins came to my house early and we headed back to Duke Med with Kayleigh where we saw the pediatric cardiologist; well, actually THREE! We started with a fellow, Dr. McCanta, who was very very nice and had done his homework! He not only knew Kayleigh's entire history before walking in the room, he had spoken to her endocrinologist to get even more insight! After reviewing her chart, doing her exam, looking at her labs, and talking to us - again they are saying they are on to something. He proceeded to explain a disorder called Dysautonomia. He did openly admit that if she did have Dysautonomia, it was a pretty severe case based on how it has affected her life so drastically.

Anyhow... this is where God kicked in and made things happen...

This first cardiologist told us that there are very few specialists in the United States who soley focus on Dysautonomia, and there are very few hospitals that do a true Dysautonomia battery of tests. Duke happens to be one of those very few... not only that... the doctor that specializes in it, Dr. Kanter, just happened to be there and was available for consult. A colleague of his, Dr. Carboni, was available AND free this afternoon while we were there! He wasn't available to do one of the tests until 3pm, but he was available. It was only about 1:15, so our plan was to go grab a quick bite to eat, then come back... but again... God had other plans for us! An opening was available in the ECHO lab at 2pm! Once these 2 appointments were done they set her up with a 24 hour halter monitor and we were on our way.

At the end of the day we still don't know exactly what is going on with Kayleigh and why she is so symptomatic and her vital signs are so unstable. She will have to go back to Duke soon for a full day of testing to be done on an outpatient basis to give us more insight. But we do have complete confidence in the doctors at Duke and faith that God will continue to step in and guide our path.